ParentingTips

  • 3 Top Challenges of having an adult son with autism.#autismchallenges🧩

    3-Top-Challenges-of-Having-an-Adult-Child-with-Autism
    #autismchallenges

    I’m diving into the  3 top challenges I’ve faced having an adult son with autism. To my fellow parents, I know you feel my pain! 🌟 Ever feel like you’re juggling flaming swords while riding a unicycle? 🤹‍♂️ Welcome to the wild world of parenting an adult child with autism! So grab your coffee, take a seat, and let’s navigate this adventure together! 💙 #autismchallenges🧩

     

    Challenge #1: Keeping Reliable Care for Jacob While We Work

     

    Top 3 Challenges blog
    Challenge #1: Keeping Reliable Care for Jacob While We Work!

     

    Ah, the eternal quest for trustworthy care for our adult child with autism! 🌟 It’s like searching for a unicorn in a marvel movie, am I right? But fear not, fellow adventurers, for we are armed with perseverance and strength! 🦄

     

    Entrusting Jacob’s care to others feels like sending him off on a grand quest without a map or a guidebook. 🗺️ It’s nerve-wracking, to say the least! But hey, we’re not alone in this journey. We’ve enlisted the help of a company that hires background-checked individuals. Yet, even with this safety net, the anxiety lingers like an unwelcome guest at a party. Try well-known agencies like the Autism Society, https://www.autismsociety-nc.org/#

     

    And let’s talk about the perpetual juggling act of work and caregiving. 🤹‍♂️ It’s like trying to tame a lion while balancing on a tightrope! But fret not, my friends, for there’s a legal safeguard in the form of FMLA (Family and Medical Leave Act). Just to make sure you are not fired because you have to care for your child. It’s like our superhero cape, offering protection against the evil clutches of employment uncertainty. 💼✨

     

    Check out the government website here: https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/fmla

     

    Alright Autism adventurers, take heart! While the road may be rocky, and the challenges daunting, we shall overcome with resilience, determination, and maybe a dash of caffeine! ☕️ Onward, to victory! 🚀 #AutismAwareness 🧩

    Challenge #2: Navigating the Absence Abyss

    What happens when your adult son with autism has caregivers out sick?

     

    Ah, the dreaded sick days saga!  It’s like a whirlwind of chaos that sweeps through our carefully crafted plans, isn’t it? But fear not, for in the face of adversity, we emerge as champions of resilience and adaptability!🤒

     

    When your child’s caregiver calls in sick, and suddenly, you’re thrust into a frantic scramble to find a replacement. It’s like trying to solve a Rubik’s Cube blindfolded! But alas, finding someone who can step into your child’s world at a moment’s notice is like searching for a needle in a haystack. 🧩

     

    In the blink of an eye, FMLA becomes our lifeline, our legal shield against the unpredictability of caregiving. It’s like summoning reinforcements to fortify our defenses in the battle against chaos! 💼

     

    Amidst the challenges, the Autism Society stands as a beacon of hope, striving to bridge the gap between need and accessibility. They have introduced Jacob to other workers so that in a moment of need, someone can step in and help. This works only if there’s enough notice. Let’s not forget the logistical nightmare of living outside city limits.  It’s like being stranded on a desert island with limited resources,#AutismIsland!🚗

     

    So, fellow warriors, take a deep breath and summon your inner zen. 🌟 Though the road may be rocky when you have an adult son with autism. The challenges aplenty, we shall prevail with perseverance, humor, and maybe a splash of “Calgon 🛁 take me away” for good measure!  #AutismAwareness 🧩 Ways to have peace? Creating time for yourself, not just your child with autism.

    Challenge #3: Crafting the Perfect Environment for Success

     

    Challenge#3
    Small zippered bags have school work and clothes in garment bags!

     

    Ah, the noble quest for the holy grail of productivity and success!  It’s like embarking on a grand adventure through the labyrinth of chaos, armed with nothing but schedules and calendars as our trusty companions.🏆

     

    Amidst the whirlwind of life, we forged a sanctuary of learning and tranquility for our adult son with autism.  With schedules as our guiding stars, chaos retreated like a defeated dragon, and productivity flourished like wildflowers in spring.🌟

     

    A Collaborative Journey to Success

     

    But here’s the twist: success wasn’t just for Jacob alone; it was a team effort!  We shared our secrets of structure and success with the brave souls entrusted with Jacob’s care, transforming them into allies in our noble quest.💪

     

    And oh, the sweet relief when chaos was banished from our absence!  With a rock-solid foundation of understanding and structure, Jacob’s days unfolded like a well-rehearsed symphony, each note harmonizing with the next in a blissful melody of productivity.🌪️

     

    But let’s not forget the cardinal rule of parenting: consistency is key! Check out this previous  blog post: Help! 3 Ways a schedule can help sensory issues and communication barriers? #Autism Challenges🧩 Like master craftsmen, we meticulously crafted a framework of structure and procedures, ensuring that every interaction and every moment was a stepping stone on the path to success. 🔑

     

    So, dear comrades in arms, do not fear the daunting task before you! 🛡️ With a dash of consistency, a sprinkle of structure, and a hearty dose of determination, you too can forge an environment where success blooms like a garden in the sun. 🌷 #ParentingSuccess 🌈

    Want more tips? Download my free guide: https://educatingjacob.myflodesk.com/o01di34gwl

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  • How to turn a gloomy day into a great day!#autismchallenges🧩

     

    Embracing the Rainy Day Adventure

    Rise and Shine, Autism Warriors! 🌟 It’s been a whirlwind of a week, hasn’t it? Meetings, sickness, and the occasional nocturnal wake-up call courtesy of Dad’s heroic endeavors as a firefighter and first responder. But fret not, my fellow adventurers, for when life tosses gloom our way, we’re experts at flipping the script! So, grab your umbrella and join me as we transform this rainy Saturday into a day brimming with culinary delights, sweet treats, and movie magic. Let’s sprinkle some joy into the gloom! ☂️”

    Kickstarting the Day with Aromatic Coffee

    So here we are, Autism Warriors, ready to conquer this gloomy Saturday with a dash of flair and a sprinkle of joy!  Let’s dive into the magic of turning a seemingly dull day into a memorable family adventure.☔️

    Indulging in Heavenly Delights

    First things first, let’s kickstart the day with some aromatic coffee to awaken our senses and fuel our spirits!  With David off shift and ready to join the fun, our family dynamic is already gearing up for an exciting day ahead.☕️

    A Sweet Stop at Crumbl Cookies

    crumbl cookies, YUM!
    Cookies for Movie Night!

    Next stop, Crumbl cookies!  Because let’s face it, what’s a gloomy day without some delectable treats to indulge in? Thanks to my persuasive co-workers, I’m now hooked on these heavenly delights, and there’s no turning back!🍪

    Crumbl Cookies Weekly Menu

    For those of you who don’t know, Crumbl cookies has a menu that changes weekly, so don’t look at the calories if you’re on a diet. Check them out: https://crumblcookies.com/ If you have the app, you can order ahead and pick up in a snap.🍪

    Embarking on a Nostalgic Journey

    With coffee in hand and cookies in tow, it’s time to transform our humble abode into a cozy haven of relaxation and entertainment. Cue the movie marathon!  As avid fans of “Stranger Things,” we’ve embarked on a nostalgic journey through the series, reliving the thrills and chills of Hawkins, Indiana. It’s the perfect blend of excitement and nostalgia to brighten up our gloomy Saturday.🎬

    Movie night netflix
    Movie Night “Stranger Things”
    Don’t Miss Out on Stranger Things

    For those of you who have missed this series, go check it out on Netflix:🎬 [Stranger Things]

    A Day Filled with Laughter and Love

    As the rain pitter-patters against the windowpanes, we huddle together on the couch, popcorn at the ready, and immerse ourselves in the captivating world of Eleven and her gang.  With each episode, laughter echoes through the room, and the worries of the week melt away in the warmth of family bonding and shared experiences.🍿

    Jacob’s Infectious Joy

    Meanwhile, Jacob, our ever-enthusiastic partygoer, revels in the festivities, his eyes lighting up with delight at the prospect of movie night and chocolate chip cookies.  His infectious joy reminds us that even on the dreariest of days, there’s always room for laughter and happiness.🌟

    Cheers to Making the Most of Every Moment

    So here’s to turning a gloomy Saturday into a day filled with laughter, love, and unforgettable memories. With a little creativity and a whole lot of love, we’ve transformed this rainy day into a magical adventure that reminds us of the beauty of family and togetherness. Cheers to making the most of every moment, rain or shine! 🌈✨

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  • No Schedule for Jacob to Use This Week? No Peace! Autism Challenges 🧩

    The Importance of Managing Autism Routines and Schedules 🧩

    We all have off days or weeks, and I’m no different. At the beginning of this journey, I didn’t have routines or scheduled activities for Jacob. I just didn’t know any better. We have to be able to manage autism routines when our children are not able to manage their day without meltdowns or chaos.

    But now that I do, I understand the importance of always having a schedule and plans for Jacob. With consistent routines, the chaos is gone. 🌟

    managing autism routines with schedules, day by day roadmap
    Roadmap to success! Use a schedule. Be consistent, celebrate all wins!

    The Power of the Schedule

    managing autism routines with schedules, Jacob's clothes need to be on the schedule
    Pack the sensory friendly clothes, work and headphones!

    📅 We know that schedules help keep down anxiety, aid with emotional regulation, and help Jacob enjoy his day, just to name a few of the huge benefits. So, what happens when I’ve had a yucky day, and now it’s time to fill the zipper bags for the weekly work? Or, I didn’t put the haircut, manicure, and pedicure on the monthly schedule, and now it’s needed, and I’m not in the mood to complete these tasks???

    Managing Unplanned Changes

    📆 Well, normally I can just show him the monthly calendar and add the haircut to the following day, and he’s okay with that. But if the nails are too long and bothering him, he will probably pick at them. This can be a big problem because Jacob easily gets ingrown toenails, and he will pick if it’s bothering him. See this previous post:3 ways to help your child on the autism spectrum navigate doctor visits more smoothly

    managing autism routines with schedules, Jakes manicures need to be on the schedule
    Jacob’s big toe became infected due to picking at skin around toenail that was bothering him.

    Managing Autism Routines

    🔧 Now, I just caused a major problem because I didn’t have my act together today. That’s just one example of life falling apart because I just let the schedule go and didn’t do my part. Also, if it’s not done and I’m grumpy because he’s not handling his day well, then I also know it’s partly my fault. Now, if I can fix and get us back on track, then, of course, I do.

    🔄 If, however, he spirals into an emotional meltdown and dances on everyone’s last nerve and gets in trouble before I can course correct, then I have to punish him by taking away his ability to buy his Amazon purchase at the end of the week for completing work and having a great week.

    Consistency Is Key

    🚫 If I’m not consistent in rewarding good behavior and holding back rewards when he hasn’t stayed in check, then the whole system breaks down.

    🤷‍♀️ Now, if I have to punish by not allowing the Amazon purchase he’s supposed to get on Friday, I feel incredibly guilty because I know I could have helped him more by having that schedule and work in place to guide his week.

    📝 Sometimes though, life gets in the way. You start thinking he’s so used to the schedule he’ll be alright for one day. Maybe you just plain forget because you’re tired or sick. Just self-correct as soon as possible and get on track so your child is set up for success. Because you don’t want to carry guilt that you could have possibly prevented the whole scenario!

    Give Yourself Some Grace

    💖 Give yourself some grace. Remember if you don’t have a plan for your child, they will have one for you!

    So, let’s keep those schedules in check and ensure our days are filled with structure and peace.

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